Fans proud as Japan bows out
Fans proud as Japan bows out
Posted: 2010-06-30 10:34
Japan fans are standing behind their national team after its bid to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time fell just short of its objective.
Thousands of fans swarmed the streets of Tokyo decked in their blue uniforms in an early morning drizzle, chanting and cheering despite a grueling loss to Paraguay that sent the ‘Samurai Blue' out of the tournament.
The teams fought to a scoreless draw through extra time, then Japan lost on penalties after defender Yuichi Komano sent his shot just high and it cannoned off the crossbar.
Japan advanced to the round of 16 for the first time ever outside of its home country. Little was expected of the team, ranked 45th in the world and in poor form during warm-up games.
But fans were captivated after first-round victories against Cameroon and Denmark. There was standing room only in bars and restaurants in Tokyo despite the 11 pm. local time kickoff, with patrons watching raptly throughout the match and some breaking into tears afterwards.
"This really hurts, I thought we could do it," said Ase Yokoyama (2), a university student who stayed out into the early hours to watch the game with his friends.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan also issued a statement thanking the team.
"The players and the bench were united and showed the world the potential of Japanese soccer. I sincerely congratulate their efforts," he said.
Many fans chanted in support of coach Takeshi Okada, who was widely ridiculed before the tournament when he still set a goal of reaching the semifinals despite the team floundering. Some still questioned his tactics.
: 2010-11-07 15:22
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